Creating and Using a Shared Folder

The Shared Folder's Purpose

This is an easy way to disperse documents to students as well as collect assignments. If you set up a shared folder, student work will be easier to find, especially if you make folders for each class. You can also add documents that students need to read or complete through this folder.

The Process--Setting up shared folders is fairly simple. 

• First, decide where you want to house the folder. This may be simply within your Google Drive, or you might set up a classroom folder for the year and then make shared folders for each class period within the larger folder. 

• After you decide on the location, click on the red NEW button. This creates a drop down menu. From this menu, select FOLDER. Give ths folder a name, usually the course name or class period. Then click CREATE.

• Next, click on the SHARE button from the Google Drive toolbar. It looks like a person and a + sign. This will open a box (like the image below) with your share options.

• Then, choose the correct options for sharing the folder. Make sure that if you want students to add documents to the folder, you list them as able to EDIT; otherwise, they will receive an error message. When you have set the share settings, click done. 

The Finished Product

Once you create your shared folder, students with permission can submit assignments via the shared folder. You may find it helpful to give them the shareable URL to access the folder! Remember, you can also place class handouts, notes, rubrics, etc. in this folder for students to access easily.